The Barbara Neely Awards

Two separate awards for unpublished and published Black writers honoring the legacy of Barbara Neely.

Established in 2021, MWA’s Barbara Neely Awards honor the late Barbara Neely, a trailblazing Black crime novelist who was named an MWA Grand Master in late 2019 but who passed away before being publicly honored at the 2020 Edgar Awards banquet. Each award carries a $2,000 cash prize to assist the winner with their writing craft and a one-year membership in Mystery Writers of America, which includes membership in the winner’s local chapter.

The Barbara Neely Award for Unpublished Black Writers

Eligibility:

1. Applicant must be Black, an American citizen and be age 18 or older.
2. Applicant’s membership in MWA is not required
3. Applicant must not have been published (traditionally or self-published) in the mystery/crime fiction genre
4. Eligible applicants must submit the following within the application period:
   1. A competed application form (see link)
   2. A brief biography
   3. A five-page sample of their writing in the mystery/crime fiction genre
   4. A 300-500 word statement on their interest in the mystery/crime fiction genre and in general terms (class, conference, writing equipment, etc.) on how they plan to use the award to further their writing career
   5. A copy of their CV/resume highlighting their education/writing career

The Barbara Neely Award for Unpublished Black Writers will be awarded on the basis of writing ability, interest in the mystery/crime fiction genre, and likely benefit from the award. Please note that previous winners are not eligible to enter.

The Barbara Neely Award for Published Black Writers

Eligibility:

1. Applicant must be Black, an American citizen and be age 18 or older.
2. Applicant’s membership in MWA is not required
3. Applicant must be published (traditionally or self-published) in the mystery/crime fiction genre
4. Eligible applicants must submit the following within the application period:
   1. A competed application form (see link)
   2. A brief biography
   3. A five-page sample of their writing in the crime/mystery genre
   4. A 300-500 word statement on their interest in the crime/mystery genre and in general terms (class, conference, writing equipment, etc.) on how they plan to use the award to further their writing career
   5. A copy of their CV/resume highlighting their education/writing career including their previously published work

The Barbara Neely Award for Published Black Writers will be awarded on the basis of writing ability, interest in the crime/mystery genre, and likely benefit from the award. Please note that previous winners are not eligible to enter.

The application period is currently closed. Please check back in September 2026.

You will be able to find the application here or request a copy by contacting Mystery Writers of America. Questions should be addressed to: mwa@mysterywriters.org